Charcoal

Charcoal drawing is timeless, stylish, atmospheric and arresting. In this easy-to-follow beginner's guide, readers are taken on a journey to explore the rich potential of monochrome using the medium of charcoal.

Inexpensive and easy to source, charcoal is perfect for the beginner artist. To increase the variety of mark-making, or simply to make life easier, readers can choose to buy different types and sizes of charcoal, and tools such as blenders and brushes for different effects. This is all explained clearly so the reader can make informed choices.

Following the section on tools and materials, the basic techniques are presented, showing how to exploit the medium to best effect. The fundamentals of drawing are also covered, including perspective, composition and observational drawing.

Author: Born in 1967, Richard grew up in the fishing village of Lympstone in Devon. After school, he initially trained as a jeweller but went on to take a degree in Fine Art at Exeter College of Art and Design and graduated in 1991. Yearning for adventure, just three months after graduation he entered the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, and began a military career that lasted 18 years, initially in the army infantry and later in the Royal Marines. Richard left the military in 2012 and briefly ran a veterans' charity project before focusing his full attention on art. He now lives and works in Exeter in the South West of England (his work has hung in Exeter Cathedral).

Selling Points:

• Friendly, non-intimidating approach that appeals to beginners.
• Special features on tips, tricks, and techniques as well as planning and preserving work.
• Ten inspiring step-by-step projects, covering a wide range of subject matter.
• Guidance on tools and materials, which are relatively inexpensive, unlike most other forms of art.